ONE of Powys’ major roads is not expected to be back open until Thursday afternoon (November 24) after a mini tornado struck Powys this afternoon.

The mini tornado brought down scores of trees across the A470, between Builth Wells and Erwood. Eye-witnesses described how water from the River Wye, which runs parallel to the A470 from Builth to Erwood, was “sucked into the funnel and rose higher than the trees”.

Powys County Council said the road is now closed and is unlikely to reopen until Thursday afternoon.

“TRAVEL ALERT: The A470 is currently closed between Builth Wells and Erwood, after a mini tornado brought down several trees,” said a post on the Powys County Council Facebook page.

“The road is not expected to reopen before tomorrow afternoon.”

One local farmer described how some tin roofs attached to sheds or outbuildings had been torn off and “blown down the valley” by Tregaer, just north of Erwood.

Matthew Keeble-Payne, who lives locally and took this photo, said: “Tornado between Builth and Llyswen this afternoon. A470 blocked.

“Eyewitness said water from the river was sucked into the funnel and rose higher than the trees. Lots of big tree damage.”

Simon Culling, who collects data for TORRO (the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation), said the organisation was investigating the incident.

TORRO keeps records of tornadoes, large hail and severe storms across the UK Ireland. Their experts issue forecasts when there is a risk of severe storms.

It had been reported earlier that the road had been closed due to flooding. Traffic Wales tweeted: “The A470 between Builth Wells and Erwood is now closed due to flooding in the area. Local diversions in place.”

The tornado comes hours after Powys residents were warned to brace themselves for disruption amid a Met Office weather forecast for the nation as areas across Wales are expected to be hit.

The national weather service warned of spells of heavy rain and strong winds on Thursday, which could result in power cuts, with infrastructure and supply at risk.

This could plunge many into darkness amid falling temperatures and dangerous weather.

The rain is also likely to cause flooding of homes and businesses and is expected to impact bus and train services across Wales as well as car journey times.

The yellow weather warning is set to last from 10am to 7pm on Thursday.